Vietnam shrimp exports to the US and China decreased in July

In the first 7 months of 2022, shrimp exports recorded double digits growth in the first 5 months, starting to decrease slightly in June and fell deeper in July. Accumulating 7 months, Vietnam shrimp exports reached 2.65 billion USD, an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year. 

The US

Vietnam shrimp exports to the US start to slow down in May, decrease 36% in June and continue to decrease 54% in July. Accumulated in the first 7 months of 2022, Vietnam shrimp exports to the US reached 550 million USD, down 6% compared to the same period in 2021. 

The US shrimp imports had slowed down since May 2022 due to the high inventories. Besides, logistics and transportation problems such as port congestion, increased freight rates, and lack of cold storage also led to a decrease in US shrimp imports. The purchasing power of seafood, including shrimp, in the retail segment also decreased.

Inflation in the US makes people spend cautiously. However, in the coming time, the situation will be better when the US job market is recovering . Better income can boost consumer spending on shrimp. Shrimp prices in the US are also expected to be under downward pressure in the second half of 2022.

Vietnam shrimp exports to the US and China showed sign of decreasing in July

China

After recording strong growth in the first 6 months of the year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China in July decreased 17% to $38 million. In the first 7 months of this year, shrimp exports to this market reached 371 million USD, up 64% over the same period in 2021.

Although China has reopened its economy and loosened regulations related to COVID-19 at seaports, import regulations are still very strict, creating many difficulties for exporters. In the Chinese market, Vietnamese shrimp suppliers also have to compete with suppliers from Ecuador. Ecuador is having a strategy to boost exports to China to compensate for the decrease in exports to the US.

Shrimp exports to the EU market in July still increased by 16% over the same period, thanks to the support from the EVFTA. Exports to Japan and South Korea in July still grew quite steadily by 5% and 22% respectively. Freight to Japan and South Korea are not as high as to Western countries, and inflation in these countries is not too high. These are considered factors that help maintain a stable growth momentum in shrimp exports to these markets.

Compiled by Thuy Linh